Is Supported Independent Living right for your loved one?

Caring for a loved one with a disability involves making important decisions to support their independence, comfort, and well-being. One such decision is choosing the right living arrangement that encourages autonomy while providing the necessary support.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a popular option that offers people with disability the opportunity to live independently with personalised assistance. But is SIL the right choice for your loved one?

So, What is Supported Independent Living, what are its benefits, who is it best suited for, and how can St Jude’s assist you in making this important decision?

What is Supported Independent Living?

Many families wonder what is Supported Independent Living and how it differs from other support services. Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of NDIS-funded support designed to help individuals with disability to live independently in shared or individual accommodation settings.

SIL provides day-to-day assistance with personal care, household tasks, and skill development, enabling people to maintain autonomy while having access to the support they need.

At St Jude’s, our SIL homes are thoughtfully designed to promote comfort, community, and personal growth. Our support plans are customised to align with each participant’s unique needs and goals.

Key features of SIL:

• 24/7 support: Around the clock access to on-site assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
• Skill development: Opportunities to build daily life skills like meal preparation, budgeting and self-care.
• Community living: Options to live with others in a shared home environment or in an individual setting.
• Goal-oriented plans: Support that aligns with each participant’s NDIS goals, fostering greater independence over time.

Who is Supported Independent Living best suited for?

When considering Supported Independent Living for yourself, a loved one, or a participant in your care, consider their need for regular assistance and their desire for independence.

SIL is ideal for individuals who:

• Are living with a disability and require regular support with daily activities.
• Are eligible for NDIS funding and are under the age of 65.
• Wish to live independently, but need assistance at times to manage household tasks.
• Want to develop new skills and participate more actively in their community.

If your loved one has more complex needs, SIL can provide higher levels of support, ensuring their health, safety, and well-being are always prioritised.

The benefits of Supported Independent Living

Choosing a SIL arrangement with St Jude’s offers a range of benefits for people with disability and their families:

1. Greater independence

SIL empowers individuals to make choices about their daily routines, fostering greater confidence and self-reliance than when living with family.

2. Personalised support

Support is individually tailored and available onsite when needed most, ensuring each participant receives the right level of care without compromising their independence.

3. Skill building

Individuals have the opportunity to learn practical life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting, which contribute towards long-term independence.

4. Community and social engagement

Living in a shared home creates opportunities for social connection and meaningful friendships, reducing feelings of isolation.

How does Supported Independent Living differ from other housing options?

Understanding what Supported Independent Living involves helps you to compare your options when considering what home and living service to go with:

• SIL vs. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA):
  SIL focuses on the support services provided within the home, whereas SDA involves specialised home design and accessibility features for individuals with very high support needs. Your loved one may live within an SDA home and receive SIL support simultaneously.

For more information on SIL vs. SDA, check out our blog here.

• SIL vs. in-home support:
  In-home support allows individuals to live with family or on their own while receiving minimal support from a visiting carer. SIL provides more comprehensive, regular assistance based on-site, often in a shared living environment.
• SIL vs. aged care services:
  SIL is specifically for NDIS participants under 65. Individuals over 65 applying for support can access services through the aged care system. If a person turns 65 but has a prior NDIS plan, they can continue accessing their NDIS services.

How St Jude’s can help

At St Jude’s, we understand that every person has unique needs and goals. Our experienced team works closely with participants and their families to design a Supported Independent Living plan that fosters independence while delivering essential support.

What we offer:

• Modern, comfortable accommodation: Our homes are designed for safety, and comfort, with a range of accessible SIL and SDA options available.
• Experienced, compassionate staff: Our carers provide professional, empathetic support that is available 24/7.
• Community inclusion: We encourage participation in social and community activities, promoting a sense of belonging.

Is SIL the right choice for your loved one?

Deciding whether SIL is suitable for your loved one depends on their individual needs, goals, and lifestyle preferences. Consider the following questions:

• Does your loved one want to live more independently but still need regular support?
• Are they eligible for NDIS funding and looking to develop life skills?
• Would they benefit from a supportive community environment?

If you answered yes to any of these, SIL may be the perfect fit.

Next steps: How to access Supported Independent Living

1. Check NDIS eligibility: Ensure your loved one has SIL funding included in their NDIS plan.
2. Consult with St Jude’s: Our friendly team can guide you through the process of applying for and accessing SIL services.
3. Tour our homes: Visit our SIL accommodation options with one of our intake team members to find the best fit for your loved one’s needs.
4. Create a personalised plan: We’ll develop a support plan tailored to your loved one’s goals and lifestyle.

Let St Jude’s support your loved one’s independence

If you’re still wondering what is Supported Independent Living and whether it’s the right path for your loved one, we’re here to help.

At St Jude’s Healthcare Services, we’re committed to helping your loved one live more independently while receiving the support they need.

Contact our team today to learn more about SIL services.